Last Modified: Friday, November 16, 2012 at 6:55 p.m.

He is being replaced by Mark McLenithan, who comes to Goodyear from Nestlé in Laurel, Md.

McLenithan is the first person to head the Gadsden plant not to come from a Goodyear plant, Communications Manager Jackie Brehm Edmondson said.

The company recently changed the title from plant manager to director of manufacturing.

Davis retires after 41 years of service and had been plant manager for six years.

A release from Goodyear said Davis served in leadership positions in Goodyear plants in Texas, Tennessee, North Carolina and Canada before coming to Gadsden.

During his time at Goodyear-Gadsden, Davis oversaw the modernization project that included a building expansion and new tire building, extrusion and finishing equipment, the release said.

“Jim has made a lasting, positive impact on the Gadsden plant,” said Steve Pauly, Goodyear’s North American Tire director of consumer tire plants.

“We appreciate his contributions and all his hard work over the past four decades,” Pauly said.

“I have been provided many opportunities to establish friendships and build relationships across the U.S., Canada and Latin America,” Davis said. “I extend thanks and appreciation to the many people who have helped, supported, coached and mentored me over my tenure.”

McLenithan is a graduate of Michigan Technological University with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He has 27 years of manufacturing experience in the steel, soap and food processing industries.

He had been plant manager for Nestlé in Maryland for four years.

McLenithan led an expansion of the plant while reducing the manufacturing cost conversion by $34 million.

“Whether you manufacture ice cream or tires, you must build your foundation on three elements: safety, quality and culture,” he said during a meeting with the salaried staff at the plant Friday according to the release.

“What are we doing to create capability in the organization safely and effectively, with our customers as the priority?” he asked. “What are we doing to improve ourselves and our factory? I can already see the level of commitment from our team at the Gadsden plant. I see opportunity for growth and development as well. We just have to keep up with the rate of change.”

McLenithan said he looks forward to the opportunity that being the director of manufacturing in Gadsden brings.

“Your history is a great indication of future success, and Gadsden has a great history,” he said. “My job is to build on that history.”

<p>Jim Davis, director of manufacturing at Goodyear's Gadsden plant, will retire effective Dec. 31, the company said Friday.</p><p>He is being replaced by Mark McLenithan, who comes to <a href="http://www.gadsdentimes.com/goodyear"><b>Goodyear</b></a> from Nestlé in Laurel, Md.</p><p>McLenithan is the first person to head the Gadsden plant not to come from a Goodyear plant, Communications Manager Jackie Brehm Edmondson said.</p><p>The company recently changed the title from plant manager to director of manufacturing.</p><p>Davis retires after 41 years of service and had been plant manager for six years.</p><p>A release from Goodyear said Davis served in leadership positions in Goodyear plants in Texas, Tennessee, North Carolina and Canada before coming to Gadsden. </p><p>During his time at Goodyear-Gadsden, Davis oversaw the modernization project that included a building expansion and new tire building, extrusion and finishing equipment, the release said.</p><p>“Jim has made a lasting, positive impact on the Gadsden plant,” said Steve Pauly, Goodyear's North American Tire director of consumer tire plants. </p><p>“We appreciate his contributions and all his hard work over the past four decades,” Pauly said.</p><p>“I have been provided many opportunities to establish friendships and build relationships across the U.S., Canada and Latin America,” Davis said. “I extend thanks and appreciation to the many people who have helped, supported, coached and mentored me over my tenure.”</p><p>McLenithan is a graduate of Michigan Technological University with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. He has 27 years of manufacturing experience in the steel, soap and food processing industries. </p><p>He had been plant manager for Nestlé in Maryland for four years. </p><p>McLenithan led an expansion of the plant while reducing the manufacturing cost conversion by $34 million.</p><p>“Whether you manufacture ice cream or tires, you must build your foundation on three elements: safety, quality and culture,” he said during a meeting with the salaried staff at the plant Friday according to the release. </p><p>“What are we doing to create capability in the organization safely and effectively, with our customers as the priority?” he asked. “What are we doing to improve ourselves and our factory? I can already see the level of commitment from our team at the Gadsden plant. I see opportunity for growth and development as well. We just have to keep up with the rate of change.”</p><p>McLenithan said he looks forward to the opportunity that being the director of manufacturing in Gadsden brings.</p><p>“Your history is a great indication of future success, and Gadsden has a great history,” he said. “My job is to build on that history.”</p>